"Abandoned Sanctuary: Georgia's Forgotten Refugees Suffering in Limbo"
In the heart of Tbilisi, a once-state-of-the-art cardiology hospital lies abandoned and decaying, its crumbling halls now home to hundreds of Georgian refugees who fled their homeland after the devastating 1992 Abkhazian war. The dilapidated sanatorium, which has been their temporary shelter for over three decades, has become a long-term purgatory, where families struggle to find hope in a desolate landscape.
The documentary "The Kartli Kingdom" directed by Tamar Kalandadze and Julien Pebrel captures the eerie stillness of time that has settled over this forsaken place. Shot in a crepuscular, seemingly translucent style, the film conveys an atmosphere of limbo, where lives have been suspended for years without resolution.
Despite the melancholy that pervades the documentary, there is a palpable sense of community among the residents. Neighbors have become like family, sharing laughter and tears as they navigate their fragile existence. The film's fly-on-the-wall approach captures intimate moments of everyday life, showcasing how people find comfort in each other despite the bleak surroundings.
However, beneath the façade of resilience lies a deep-seated frustration and sense of abandonment. As one resident candidly remarks, she has been living in the sanatorium for 26 years, awaiting her next move with growing desperation. The authorities' inaction in addressing the building's structural issues and providing aid has become a recurring theme throughout the documentary.
As time ticks by, the residents face an uncertain future. With the foundation of the sanatorium cracking ominously, their temporary refuge is threatened to be replaced once more – this time with an even more precarious solution. As one family prepares to leave, they reflect on what they'll miss about their abandoned sanctuary, and the bittersweet laughter that follows says it all.
"The Kartli Kingdom" serves as a haunting testament to the human cost of war, displacement, and neglect. It is a poignant reminder that some have been living in limbo for far too long, and that those left behind often bear the weight of their loved ones' futures.
In the heart of Tbilisi, a once-state-of-the-art cardiology hospital lies abandoned and decaying, its crumbling halls now home to hundreds of Georgian refugees who fled their homeland after the devastating 1992 Abkhazian war. The dilapidated sanatorium, which has been their temporary shelter for over three decades, has become a long-term purgatory, where families struggle to find hope in a desolate landscape.
The documentary "The Kartli Kingdom" directed by Tamar Kalandadze and Julien Pebrel captures the eerie stillness of time that has settled over this forsaken place. Shot in a crepuscular, seemingly translucent style, the film conveys an atmosphere of limbo, where lives have been suspended for years without resolution.
Despite the melancholy that pervades the documentary, there is a palpable sense of community among the residents. Neighbors have become like family, sharing laughter and tears as they navigate their fragile existence. The film's fly-on-the-wall approach captures intimate moments of everyday life, showcasing how people find comfort in each other despite the bleak surroundings.
However, beneath the façade of resilience lies a deep-seated frustration and sense of abandonment. As one resident candidly remarks, she has been living in the sanatorium for 26 years, awaiting her next move with growing desperation. The authorities' inaction in addressing the building's structural issues and providing aid has become a recurring theme throughout the documentary.
As time ticks by, the residents face an uncertain future. With the foundation of the sanatorium cracking ominously, their temporary refuge is threatened to be replaced once more – this time with an even more precarious solution. As one family prepares to leave, they reflect on what they'll miss about their abandoned sanctuary, and the bittersweet laughter that follows says it all.
"The Kartli Kingdom" serves as a haunting testament to the human cost of war, displacement, and neglect. It is a poignant reminder that some have been living in limbo for far too long, and that those left behind often bear the weight of their loved ones' futures.
i cant believe ppl are still livin in this abandoned hospital after 30 yrs its like a time capsule of hopelessness 
but at the same time u can see the community u guys have formed & it's truly beautiful 
they're findin comfort in each other & that's what matters most in times like these 
we gotta keep spreadin awareness about this issue & get those authorities to take action 
let's raise funds 2 help rebuild their homes & give them a better life 
? Like, 3 decades living in this abandoned hospital with no end in sight... it's like they're stuck in some kinda purgatory 
. I mean, I get it, war and displacement are a huge deal, but come on, where's the help?! It's like the authorities just forgot about these people 
. And don't even get me started on the structural issues... seriously, how much more can this place take before it all comes crashing down? 
. And what really gets me is the sense of community among them - like, they're making the best of a bad situation, but at what cost?! They deserve better 
. We need to do something about this ASAP... it's not too late to make a change 
.
, like what r the gov or whoever doin to help? dont get me wrong, its good that theres community goin on there, but its just not fair ppl got nowhere to turn 
. But it's also clear that they're not just fighting for their own survival – they're fighting for justice and accountability from the authorities.
. The community among the residents seems strong tho 
, and it's amazing how they've found ways to make the best of a bad situation 
.
! The authorities need to step up and fix the building's issues, provide aid, and help these people find their next move 
. And what about their futures? Will they ever be able to go back home or start a new life? 
. We need more stories like this to highlight the human cost of war, displacement, and neglect 
. It's time for us to take action and help these people out 
.
the way the documentary shows their community comin together 2 support each other is really beautiful but at the same time its heartbreaking 2 see how desperate these ppl r 26 yrs and still nothin happened 2 em 4 a life outside this place